The Use of Advance Directives in a Population of Asian Indian Hindus

Abstract

Advance directives are a way to communicate the kind of care that people desire at the end of life. Recent research shows that ethnic minorities have been found to complete advance directives significantly less often than Caucasians, and no information was available regarding advance directives in the Asian Indian population. To address this shortcoming, this descriptive exploratory design sampled a community sample of 45 Asian Indian Hindus. Being female and having an individualistic decision-making style were significantly positively correlated with advance directive completion. Having strong religious affiliation and a family decision-making style were significantly negatively correlated with advance directive completion. The results of this study provide needed information regarding the Asian Indian population and how Hinduism affects advance directives.